White House cyber-security adviser Howard Schmidt resigned from his government post Monday, the second high-level official to leave President Bush's Critical Infrastructure Protection Board in as many months.

Schmidt, a former Microsoft security executive, sent an e-mail to colleagues early Monday saying the federal government's move to turn the PCIPB responsibilities over to the newly created Department of Homeland Security led to his decision to resign and return to the private sector, according to sources close to the matter.

White House officials did not respond to requests for comment.

In February, Schmidt had taken over the duties of PCIPB chairman Richard Clarke, who stepped down under similar circumstances. The two resignations revive questions about the board's place and utility in the new Department of Homeland Security.

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